Unless you’re looking for a complete renovation, there’s plenty you can do to upgrade the look of your bathroom without any specialist help. Of course, certain jobs require a plumber, such as removing and installing main fittings like the bath, shower, sink and toilet. But from decor to sealant and even tiling, the upgrades below can be carried out by a humble DIY enthusiast. In fact, pretty much anyone can do these simple bathroom upgrade jobs themselves.
Bathroom Upgrades That Anyone Can Do
Resealing the bath, shower, and sink
This is one of those jobs that everyone thinks needs a professional touch but actually requires little skill at all. These days, you can even find sealant cartridges that don’t even use a mastic gun. Be sure to remove the old sealant and make sure the area is completely dry before you start. Then simply push out the sealant in a consistent line and finish according to the instructions provided. It’s amazing how a line of clean, white sealant can take years off your bathroom.
Retouching the grout
If your grout has lost colour but is otherwise in good condition, then all it needs is a touch-up. First, run bleach along it with a cotton bud to kill any mould. When that has completely dried, use a grout pen to make it white again. Just like new sealant, fresh-looking grouting is a fast fix for brightening the bathroom.
Easy tiling
You don’t need a certificate to do tiling, but you do need patience, good math, and a steady hand. Luckily there’s a solution for those who don’t want to get busy with a trowel, and that solution is self-adhesive tiles. These are available in a huge range of colours, shapes, and patterns, so it’s genuinely easy to find something to suit your taste and style. These types of tiles can be used on the floor and even on the walls. They are even suitable for use around a bath, above a sink, and in the shower.
Go natural with floorboards
If you’re lucky enough to have natural wood floorboards in your bathroom, this can create a gorgeous rustic look. But as a place that gets wet, it’s best to fill those gaps between the wood. Use a quality product, like Unibond’s wood caulk, and make sure to check the instructions so you know exactly how to use it. Once the caulk has dried, you can also paint the floorboards any colour you choose, but if you want to do this, make sure you buy paintable caulk for wood.
Painting the walls
This is another supremely easy way to give your bathroom a great-looking overhaul. If the room is looking a bit tired, consider bright white paint. Make sure you treat any dampness or mould first and invest in decent anti-mould bathroom paint. If you want to get creative or make the bathroom look more contemporary, consider deep shades of green or blue that can have a seriously sophisticated look. To give it a really up-to-date finish, paint the ceiling the same colour as the walls.
Adding decor and soft details
People often overlook details in the bathroom, preferring to keep it minimalist. But the two things can coexist. The trick is to pick your details carefully, keeping odds and ends to a minimum while creating an attractive space. Artwork definitely belongs in the bathroom, and this is a great place to hang unique and quirky prints. Softer details, such as matching towels and bathmats, can also really elevate a bathroom. For towels and mats, choose a colour that complements your wall decor.
Go green
Plants can enhance the look of the bathroom, giving it a spa-like feel. Some plants actually thrive in this moist space. In fact, due to the wet environment of the space, many bathroom plants do not need watering, which is great news for those of us who aren’t naturally green-fingered. Some of the best plants for bathrooms include spider plants, snake plants, a Boston fern, and aloe vera.
Many of these upgrades can be completed with minimal outlay and can have a massive impact on how your bathroom looks and feels. From the little details to easy practical upgrades, you can effectively have a new bathroom with just a few simple tweaks. Now that the bathroom is done, check out these other ways to transform your home into your dream home.
